Advocates urge Ann Arbor planners to protect immigrant riders and preserve Route 30

During the public‑comment period on April 15, two members of a new group called Washtenaw Bus Rider Advocates urged commissioners and staff to take concrete steps to protect immigrant and vulnerable riders.

Anne, a 25‑year Washtenaw County resident and member of the group, told commissioners that immigrants make up about 13% of the county population and 19% of Ann Arbor’s population and that recent immigration enforcement actions have made many people afraid to use the bus. Anne asked planners to consider a statement of inclusion the commission could endorse, a public-information ad campaign to inform riders of their rights, driver training and protocols to preserve safety during enforcement encounters, and creative ways to maintain service on Route 30 to Scio Township.

Ty, another group member, said the advocates have begun meetings with AATA staff and with Commissioner Matt Carpenter and expressed optimism about working collaboratively to craft policies that both support ridership and protect drivers and passengers.

Commission staff thanked the speakers, noted no written emails had been received for the meeting, and said the commission would spend more time on transit service items later in the agenda.